reef
/ɹiːf/
noun
- 1
A chain or range of rocks, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the water.
- 2
A large vein of auriferous quartz; hence, any body of rock yielding valuable ore.
- 3
A portion of a sail rolled and tied down to lessen the area exposed in a high wind.
- 4
A reef knot.
verb
- 1
To take in part of a sail in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind.
- 2
To pull or yank strongly, especially in relation to horse riding.
- 3
(of paddles) To move the floats of a paddle wheel toward its center so that they will not dip so deeply.
“Reef the paddles.”
noun
- 1
The itch; any eruptive skin disorder.
- 2
Dandruff.
adjective
- 1
Scabby; scurvy.
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